EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University will join 300 other colleges and universities on April 27, 2022, to participate in “Grate-Ful,” a nationwide event designed to celebrate gratitude for Earth, fight food waste, and advance sustainability on college campuses. Millions of students across the United States are invited to participate, making Grate-Ful the largest plant-forward event in the country.

Grate-Ful was created by Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract foodservice management and Eastern Michigan’s foodservice partner. The event will take place simultaneously across all Chartwells’ campuses on Stop Food Waste Day, encouraging students and staff to dine from plant-based menus, combat food waste, and pack donation bags to fight food insecurity.

At Eastern Michigan University, students and the community will have the opportunity to join in on a plant-based menu takeover, participate in a teaching kitchen surrounding home-made dog treats, make a pledge to stop food waste, and learn about how to make a positive impact on our planet through the use of OZZI containers.

“We are so excited to not only give our students an opportunity to help the planet, but to help others in need, as well. Especially during Earth Month, Grate-Ful gives us a chance to reflect on the gratitude we have for the Earth and what it gives us, and for our campus community,” said Cierra Mauk, Marketing Director.

In addition to day-of events focused on Earth Month and sustainability, Chartwells Higher Education has collaborated with several of its national supply partners to provide 50,000 “Packed with Purpose” bags for donations to local food pantries across the country. Eastern Michigan students will have the opportunity to pack hundreds of bags during Grate-Ful as part of the nationwide effort to fight food insecurity.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is vital to us, so during Earth Month, we wanted to create an event that gives us an opportunity to do so in an Earth-friendly way,” said Lisa McEuen, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “Celebrating Stop Food Waste Day also allowed us to incorporate new, exciting activities for students as well as offer customized, plant-forward menus in all of our dining halls. We’re excited to see how all of our campuses celebrate.”

About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services

Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and award-winning guest service within over 300 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the U.S. Chartwells' nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles, and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsHigherEd.com, www.ChartwellsMonthly.com, www.DineonCampus.com.